: While the original version on My World 2.0 felt like a "puppy love" anthem, the remix featuring Usher (and production tweaks by Benny Blanco) added the club-ready weight needed for it to become a global top-20 hit.
“Usher having a verse on it adds a slick touch to the song... It’s a shame Usher didn’t keep the song for himself as it was originally intended for him.” Random J Pop · 15 years ago Usher Justin Bieber Somebody To Love
“Unlike his merely irritating "Baby", this has a decent pop hook... "Somebody to Love" sounds to me better than most pop songs I've heard in recent years.” Rate Your Music : While the original version on My World 2
: The accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers, intentionally moved away from storylines to highlight choreography, integrating professional crews like the Beat Freaks and Poreotics. Lyrical Themes "Somebody to Love" sounds to me better than
Reviewers often highlight how the song bridges the gap between teen pop and credible R&B.
: Usher provides a "slick touch" with his smooth R&B vocals, which some critics felt occasionally outshined Bieber’s younger, slightly flatter delivery at the time.
The track is defined by its pulsing, "Keystone" house-influenced beat produced by The Stereotypes.